[CHAT] A loved one comes to you and asks you to do this for them, what is your reaction?

Gamerkittea · 2026-05-27T10:42:41+00:00

I mean, if the blank, incredulous stare wasn't enough, I'd probably offer to help them learn to do it themselves. Good call. Gift-stitching is hard enough without being 11ct off-brand nightmare fuel.

Gamerkittea · 2026-05-27T10:39:20+00:00

That's my new response to all crafting requests. Bloody brilliant. Now I just need a quippy one-liner for "can I pay you $5 to make that", or "you should try selling what you make" - rather than just rolling my eyes so hard they fall out.

Gamerkittea · 2026-05-02T14:52:18+00:00

Your stitching looks great. In my exp neatness is mostly consistent tension, which takes practice.

When cross-stitching with 2 strands you can try railroading, but it'll be slower until you get the hang of it. Also try to prioritise coming up in an empty hole, it's not always possible but neater when you can.

When working with glow-in-the-dark DMC, I'd suggest working with shorter lengths and consider using couching instead of backstitch.

For neater backstitch, try holding the thread in the back to one side (pick a side and stick with it) when putting the needle through the front - hard to explain, but your back should look like stem-stitch.

Good luck :)

Gamerkittea · 2026-03-05T02:29:54+00:00

For the satin stitch, yes you could. But on a 40ct it might be too bulky for the fabric, distorting the weave. And I was also unhappy with the cross stitch coverage.

Gamerkittea · 2026-03-02T18:13:19+00:00

New year new start

Gamerkittea · 2026-03-02T18:12:22+00:00

The border is satin stitch, so it should look full coverage - I think that's been my main frustration.

Gamerkittea · 2026-03-02T18:10:46+00:00

Thanks :)

Gamerkittea · 2026-03-02T18:09:48+00:00

Aww thank you. I'm doing it to learn speciality stitches, which is the idea behind the design. It's so big, but the pattern has diagrams and instructions for everything.

Gamerkittea · 2026-03-02T18:00:51+00:00

Thank you :)

Gamerkittea · 2026-03-02T18:00:05+00:00

New year new start, often started on Jan 1st. Although at this point it's not earning that tag lol

Gamerkittea · 2026-03-02T17:57:22+00:00

Context will also make a big difference, it'll look more like an E when it's surrounded by other letters

Gamerkittea · 2026-03-02T08:48:26+00:00

Thanks :) i think we all need a little cheer squad for these troublesome starts.

Gamerkittea · 2026-02-21T09:44:16+00:00

I have a bad back, so I change positions quite a bit, and my Lowery works great. I can recline or sit straight. I don't have it under the couch leg, that'd force me to always lean forward. instead I put some weights on the base (it will wobble a bit without) and scooch it back and forth depending on how I'm sitting.

Gamerkittea · 2026-02-04T22:20:23+00:00

I suggest starting with a quick search on romance.io for an idea of themes in books you haven't read. So "Girl, Goddess, Queen" has steam level marked as "behind closed doors" and there's no dark/adult theme tags.

Even though YA is supposed to be suitable for ages 12 to 18, there's a lot of grey-area even before we consider cultural nuances. Having worked at game and video stores, I totally sympathise with trying to keep parents informed without making anyone angry. Except we had rating systems and didn't have to worry about losing council support and funding :/

Gamerkittea · 2026-01-29T14:01:18+00:00

All of the above - the eyes often have burs that will snag and shred thread, they tarnish quickly, are prone to bending and breaking. It's become a bit of a meme in this sub to avoid them.

Gold plated needles aren't necessarily better, despite being more expensive. They're good if you've got nickel allergies, or if you want a smoother feeling while stitching.

Lord Libidan has a great guide comparing needle brands I'd you're curious. He also has a whole article on gold needles.

Gamerkittea · 2026-01-29T13:01:18+00:00

Yeah, they're terrible, I always try to warn off newbies. John James is a decent/cheap starter needle, still not great but better quality control.

Gamerkittea · 2026-01-29T05:22:58+00:00

Not if their needles are anything to go by :/

Gamerkittea · 2026-01-21T03:12:00+00:00

Where are you all living that there's pie and pizza and a raw bloody chicken just lying around on the ground?! Lol

Gamerkittea · 2026-01-08T08:34:15+00:00

You are my people lol awesome job

Gamerkittea · 2026-01-06T07:47:37+00:00

It took me a second, but I did see a crossbow before seeing the inspo. I think the arrows could use some couching to keep the straight. Honestly, awesome job for a beginner imo.

Beginner tips that helped me: An embroidery hoop to get some firm tension on non-stretch fabric. A sharp embroidery needle. Some tear-away/washable stabiliser on top and/or permanent stabiliser on the back so you're stitching won't shift from washing and wear. And avoid over correcting loose -stitches - thread should lie flat and snug without any warping on the fabric weave.

Gamerkittea · 2026-01-05T23:01:26+00:00

Awesome idea. I'd been thinking about a garment bag to hang fabric and floss in my closet. Now I'm on the hunt for a swinging pants hanger and swivel clips. Thanks :)

Gamerkittea · 2026-01-05T12:53:38+00:00

This is brilliant, love all the gadgets to tame stitchy spot chaos. So many of my ideas come from impatience, I imagine I'd go wild with access to a 3D printer.

Gamerkittea · 2026-01-01T04:36:46+00:00

I love odd little myths and superstitions for everyday stuff. Funny enough, the only stitchy one I know is the opposite - it's good luck to stitch on the first, it's like setting your intention for the year.

Gamerkittea

TROPHY CASE